Accessible travel in New England is more vibrant than ever, with barrier-free boardwalks, adaptive outdoor adventures, and sensory-friendly cultural experiences welcoming all visitors. Whether you’re cruising the waters of Lake Champlain, exploring a scenic forest trail, or enjoying live music under the stars, this curated guide highlights the best summer spots that prioritize inclusion, accessibility, and unforgettable fun for everyone.

Visit the beach. Go for a carriage ride. Listen to music under the stars. Summer fun in New England is accessible, no matter how you get around or interact with new environments. Here, we round up one-of-a-kind experiences that are especially welcoming to wheelchair users and visitors with disabilities. It’s time for everyone to get out and enjoy the best our region has to offer.

Accessible Travel in New England: 10 Inclusive Adventures

On the Water | Accessible lakes, beaches, and adaptive sailing programs.

Lake Williams Trail Boardwalk | Marlborough, MA

It used to be that the only way to experience Lake Williams was from the shore … until the city of Marlborough installed a half-mile-long floating boardwalk across the northern part of the lake. Wide enough to accommodate any mobility device, the ADA-friendly boardwalk allows you to feel as though you’re actually walking (or rolling) on water. Approached from the courthouse side, the boardwalk is a great spot to get wrapped up in the morning mist, catch a glimpse of local wildlife, or see the sky turn pastel at sunset.

Community Sailing Center | Burlington, VT

With 435 square miles of flat, sparkling water, Lake Champlain is a dream destination for sailors new and old—and, thanks to the Burlington-based Community Sailing Center, those with cognitive or physical disabilities, too. The center’s Adaptive Watersports Program offers three-hour group sails aboard a custom 23-foot Sonar keelboat designed with accessibility in mind, while private lessons emphasizing adaptive teaching methods are available on smaller Martin 16s. And with both boat types available as rentals, experienced skippers are invited to take the helm.

Treks & Trails | Barrier-free nature paths, adaptive outdoor centers, and inclusive biking.

Wallace Barnes Accessible Nature Trail | Bristol, CT

A new addition to the Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center, this trail might just be the most accessible mile in all of Connecticut. Those using mobility devices will relish the smooth surfaces of its boardwalks and soft gravel paths. Meanwhile, a series of offset, high-handled benches—protected under timber-framed shelters—creates spaces for rest and reflection. Watch songbirds flit through the trees, listen to Freeman Hill Brook babble under one of the trail’s bridges, or wait patiently for a heron to appear out of the reeds.

Adaptive Outdoor Education Center | Carrabassett Valley & Brunswick, ME

With the founding of AOEC in 2015, Bruce and Annemarie Albiston brought their vision of a more accessible Maine wilderness to life. The all-inclusive programming across the state is truly Maine’s all-access pass to the great outdoors. Watersports your thing? Try a weekend waterskiing trip, or sail around the islands of Casco Bay. With rentals (bikes especially) available from their adaptive-equipment library, outdoor adventure options feel limitless.

The Driving Range | Bolton, VT

Built by scores of volunteers over the span of two years, this latest addition to Vermont’s renowned collection of mountain biking trails opened in 2024 as the first course of its kind in the state. Berms, descents, flows, jumps—they’re all here, on a trail network specifically designed for adaptive riders. Part of a mission to make mountain biking more welcoming and accessible, the Driving Range encourages everyone, regardless of ability or equipment, to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Green Mountains.

Sights & Sounds | Sensory-friendly arts, accessible cultural sites, and scenic viewpoints.

Boston Symphony Orchestra | Boston & Lenox, MA

Creative programming and thoughtful amenities help draw everyone into the wonder of one of New England’s most cherished musical institutions. The paved pathways of Tanglewood, the BSO’s summer home in Lenox, allow scooters and wheelchairs to navigate the rural campus with ease. Concert programs are available in large print and Braille, and hearing aids are provided upon request. Exploring Boston? Check the Symphony Hall schedule for special performances featuring lower lighting and sound levels, noise-reduction headphones, and other aids for autistic or sensory-sensitive concertgoers.

Acadia by Carriage | Acadia National Park, ME

Acadia’s 45 winding miles of historic carriage roads have long brought visitors into the heart of this showstopping national park, filled with pristine forests and ocean views. Now, thanks to a partnership between the Friends of Acadia and tour operator Acadia by Carriage, free horse-drawn carriage rides are available for wheelchair travelers who want to explore these famous pathways. The special carriage uses a heavy-duty ramp to accommodate many types of mobility devices, with room for two or three friends or family members to come along. Note: Be sure to book well in advance.

WaterFire | Providence, RI

This beloved public art experience draws people from far and wide to see the three rivers in downtown Providence transformed by the ethereal glow of more than 80 bonfires. Though the city’s Riverwalk—which includes ramps and an elevator—is generally navigable for those in wheelchairs or scooters, there’s also a WaterFire viewing area on Memorial Boulevard specifically reserved for visitors with disabilities that provides unimpeded views of the blazing displays. Alternatively, the festival’s Access Boat (by reservation) gets those with physical disabilities onto the water for an up-close look at the magic of WaterFire.

Castle in the Clouds | Moultonborough, NH

When shoe tycoon Thomas Plant built the Lucknow mansion in the early 20th century, he likely wasn’t expecting his estate to become one of the most popular destinations in New Hampshire. Sitting atop 5,000-plus acres of preserved Ossipee Mountains woodlands, the Arts and Crafts–style stone mansion is reached via an accessible trolley that runs every 15 minutes. The fully accessible first floor and gardens are open for rambling, and a video tour of the second floor is available upon request. Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner at the wheelchair-accessible Carriage House Restaurant, all while drinking in a wide-angle view of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Old Man of the Mountain Historic Site | Franconia, NH

Visitors in wheelchairs or scooters can “view” the Old Man of the Mountain, thanks to an interactive art installation that allows folks at differing heights (from 3 to 7 feet) to once again—or for the first time—see where the iconic “Great Stone Face” originally stood. From here, wend your way south on the eight-mile recreation trail through Franconia Notch. Or, head north to the wheelchair-accessible Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway (cannonmt.com) to take in the sweeping views. So bring your adventurous spirit, and get ready to explore this storied White Mountains destination.

Let us know your favorite spots for inclusive outdoor adventures and accessible travel in New England below.

This feature was originally published as “All-Access Pass” in the May/June 2025 issue of Yankee Magazine.

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A few miles north of Kingfield, Maine, there is a curve in Route 27 where the trees edging the narrow roadway suddenly part. People call this the “Oh my gosh!” corner—because when faced with the spectacular visage of Sugarloaf Mountain rising out of the North Woods, what else can you say?

That kind of exclamation, that catching of the breath, is one way we know we are experiencing beauty. We have all felt it, and indeed it’s one of the reasons we travel to new places. We grow more alert, we look more closely, we await being astonished. We are open to all that we find.

These pages will take you to the grand sweep of the ocean, to skies burnished by sunset or speckled with stars so bright they seem to burn a hole from another world. You will soar above craggy bluffs rising from the sea, and over a tiny island in a shimmering lake. There’s a covered bridge, too, inviting you to see beauty in an enduringly simple, perfectly engineered way for villagers to get where they needed to go.

More than anything, look through these photos and then find their equal wherever you may travel in New England: villages, cities, woods, waterways, orchards, farms. Be alert for even the smallest moments of beauty, as when you stroll through a green and lovely cemetery and then there you are, by the tomb of the poet Longfellow, and you are in two worlds—his and yours. Such encounters are waiting for you throughout this region, where travelers have come for generations to find themselves seeing with wide-eyed wonder and the inevitable “Oh my gosh!” —Mel Allen

12 Beautiful Places to Visit in New England This Year

What would you add to our list of beautiful places to visit in New England? Let us know below.

This feature was originally published as “The Beauty of It All” in the May/June 2025 issue of Yankee Magazine.

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Most people think they need to travel to Washington, D.C., to see cherry blossoms—but springtime in New England tells a different story. From the coastal towns of Connecticut to Boston’s historic green spaces, cherry blossom season is a local tradition. Whether you’re a botanist or just looking for a springtime stroll, you can experience the delicate pink blooms without traveling far beyond your own backyard. The blossoms typically peak between late March and mid-April, and are as fleeting as spring rain, so plan your visit while they last!

A Celebration in Bloom: Boston’s Arnold Arboretum Cherry Blossom Festival

One of the most beloved celebrations of cherry blossoms in New England happens every spring at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University in Boston. This year, on an unseasonably warm 80-degree Saturday, it was the perfect time to welcome spring. Young families, children, seniors, and visitors of all kinds came out to enjoy the blossoms and enjoy the arboretum’s activities and performances. The festival featured traditional Japanese games and calligraphy, and family-friendly programming with Arboretum Youth Education. 

The festival came alive with Japanese dance performances by the Showa Boston Institute, and the strong rhythms of taiko drumming by Odaiko New England—their powerful beats echoing through the blooming pathways.

But the cherry trees are more than just beautiful—they’re part of a deeper story. Many of the trees were grown from seeds hand-delivered from Japan, part of a longstanding friendship between the two cultures. (Fun fact: these trees thrive here thanks to the similarly humid climates of Massachusetts and Japan!) More than just a lovely spring stroll, the event highlighted the deep connections between culture, environmental care, and community. Spring in New England feels like a new year, with everyone and everything coming alive again after the long, cold winter. 

More Places to See Cherry Blossoms in New England

Looking to explore beyond Boston? Here are some other top spots for cherry blossoms in New England (and just beyond):

Mill River Park, Stamford, Connecticut

Located just over the New York border, this urban park features the lovely Cherry Tree Grove, perfect spring day trip. It’s less than a 90-minute drive from central Connecticut and is quickly becoming a regional favorite.

Wooster Square Park, New Haven, Connecticut

Each April, more than 70 Yoshino cherry trees bloom in unison in this historic neighborhood park. Wooster Square Park is also home to one of New England’s most beloved cherry blossom festivals, with live music, local food, and family-friendly fun, making it one of the top cherry blossom destinations in the U.S.

Charles River Esplanade, Boston, Massachusetts

For cherry blossoms with a city skyline view, this riverside park delivers. Walk or bike along the Charles River under elegant rows of pink and white petals, with views of the Back Bay and easy access to the Boston Public Garden and Beacon Hill.

Branch Brook Park, Newark, New Jersey (Honorable Mention)

Though technically outside New England, Branch Brook Park is a cherry blossom powerhouse that deserves a mention for its proximity and scale. Just a couple hours’ drive from southern Connecticut, this park boasts over 5,000 cherry trees in more than a dozen varieties, making it the largest collection in the United States. Visitors can also enjoy guided talks and cultural programming during peak bloom.

Cherry Blossom Visitor Tips

To make the most of cherry blossom season, keep these tips in mind:

• Plan ahead: Check local bloom forecasts.
• Visit early or late in the day to avoid crowds and catch the best lighting for photos.
• Know your trees: Yoshino trees bloom first, followed by Kwanzan, which have fuller, deeper pink petals.
• Weather matters: Rain or strong wind can shorten the bloom period dramatically.
• Pack a picnic: Many of these parks have scenic spots to enjoy lunch under the trees.

A Shared Moment Beneath the Petals

As Japanese poet Masaoka Shiki once wrote:

“Under the cherry blossoms / strangers are not / really strangers” There’s something deeply human about gathering under blooming cherry trees. Whether you’re wandering through the Arnold Arboretum or finding peace under the blossoms in New Haven, appreciating spring flowers in New England offers a rare and beautiful pause—a reminder to slow down, breathe deep, and welcome a new season in bloom.

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Of all the months, May has the heaviest lift when it comes to transforming the New England landscape. More color emerges each day on the path from barren to blossoming, and it’s a treat to anticipate buds bursting into leaves, seemingly overnight. 

Nothing excites me more in May, though, than the release of Yankee‘s annual Travel Guide to New England. This year’s May/June issue is a keeper, filled with more travel ideas than you could possibly pack into one summer, even if you start this month. If you haven’t already made plans for Mother’s Day Weekend, Memorial Day Weekend, and the rest of May, I’ve got plenty of ideas.

Weekend of May 3-4, 2025

Kentucky Derby Doings in New England

We may be far from Churchill Downs, but on Saturday, May 3, there are plenty of places to celebrate the 151st Kentucky Derby here in New England including:

~ The Vanderbilt in Newport Rhode Island, which is hosting “Day at the Races” activations including a live bluegrass band, lawn games, a Kentucky Derby headpiece contest, a race lottery, cash bar, and food stations (book online).
~ Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook in Connecticut, where the race will be shown on a 140-foot video wall, the largest in the Northeast, and there’ll be prizes for best dressed and best Derby hat (reservations required: book online).
~ Revere Hotel in Boston, where a Derby on the Rooftop Watch Party in the Lantern Lounge features Woodford Reserve mint juleps, live Derby coverage on the big screen, and a hat contest with a fabulous grand prize: an overnight stay (purchase party tickets online).

Weekend of May 10-11, 2025

Mother’s Day Weekend in New England

Celebrate your mom or her finest creation… you! I can’t think of a more fitting place than The Beatrice in Providence, Rhode Island: The whole hotel’s a tribute to developer Joseph R. Paolino Jr.’s late mom, Beatrice Temkin, a lifelong Rhode Island resident, community leader, and philanthropist. Book a Mother’s Day weekend stay (call 401-443-2960), and all moms receive complimentary welcome gifts including Seacoast Sweets chocolates, BeeKind bath amenities, and a signature bellini cocktail. Make reservations, too, at Bellini Providence, the hotel’s Italian restaurant.

If Mom taught you frugality is a virtue, take her to one of these New England attractions where moms are admitted free on Mother’s Day:

~ Charmingfare Farm, Candia, NH
~ Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay, ME
~ Connecticut Science Center, Hartford, CT
~ Franklin Park Zoo / Stone Zoo, Boston / Stoneham, MA

Weekend of May 17-18, 2025

ArtWeek Berkshires | various western Massachusetts locations

The 11-day ArtWeek Berkshires celebration is in full swing starting this weekend: There are more than 100 events planned between May 16 and 26. Visit galleries and artists’ studios, attend a demo or performance, and even try your hand at something new.

Trade Secrets | Lakeville, CT

It’s the garden event to beat all New England garden events! Trade Secrets famously attracts celebrities like Martha Stewart, and you’ll understand why as you shop for rare plants and garden antiques on Sunday, May 18, at Lime Rock Park. Tours of private and public gardens in western Connecticut and eastern New York on Saturday, May 17, are also a highlight. Purchase tickets online in advance for this popular weekend’s events.

Brimfield Outdoor Antiques Show | Brimfield, MA

Join the treasure hunters at the first Brimfield Outdoor Antiques Show of 2025, which runs May 13-18. This enormous gathering of sellers and seekers has been a tradition since 1959.

Weekend of May 24-26, 2025

It’s Memorial Day weekend, and in addition to remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, New England greets the unofficial arrival of summer with too many events to count.

Spring Open Studio Weekend | Vermont statewide

It’s Spring Open Studio Weekend in Vermont: a fun excuse for a road trip. There are 15 local tour loops to choose from on May 24 and 25, each showcasing members of the Vermont Crafts Council and their handcrafted works.

Wildquack Duck Race & Music Festival | Jackson, NH

On Sunday, May 25, the annual Wildquack Duck Race & Music Festival in Jackson, New Hampshire, is a solid day of free fun. Plus, if you buy a duck, you might waddle away with a fabulous prize.

Robin Hood’s Medieval Faire | Harwinton, CT

Make merry at Robin Hood’s Medieval Faire in Harwinton, Connecticut, where the fun is “joust” getting started during this opening weekend. Festivities continue Saturdays and Sundays through June 22, and cosplay is, of course, encouraged.

May’s Best Travel Deals

~ It’s Gonna Be MAY! Great Wolf Lodge has teamed up with *NSYNC’s Joey Fatone and Lance Bass for a special promotion in honor of the 25th anniversary of the band’s iconic song, It’s Gonna Be Me. On May 1 only, families can save up to 51% off stays at Great Wolf Lodge properties (there are two here in New England) by using promo code BEMAY when they book online for stays during the annual Summer Camp-In celebration, May 24 through August 25.

Yankee Out & About in May

Join me at Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires May 1-4 for Besties Weekend. As I learned during last year’s Besties Weekend, Wellness is Better Together. I’m looking forward to meeting new friends and teaching a workshop, The Lost Art of Letter Writing, on Friday afternoon.

What are you excited to do this May in New England? Let us know in the comments below!

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Sponsored by New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau

There’s a moment at the start of every vacation when you truly arrive. Maybe it’s when you catch your first shimmering glimpse of the ocean, or cross the bridge that connects you to an island paradise. Or maybe it’s sipping a tropical cocktail as you watch the sunset from a treetop restaurant.

In New Smyrna Beach, on Florida’s east coast, you feel a similar thrill every time you clink a glass or pick up a fork. The area beckons visitors with 17 miles of pristine beaches, bustling village-like hubs, and a vibrant arts scene of galleries, performances, and festivals. It’s all so accessible now that Avelo and Breeze Airways fly low-cost direct routes into visitor-friendly Daytona Beach International Airport from Hartford, New Haven, Providence, and White Plains.

Here’s the delicious surprise: New Smyrna Beach’s treasure trove of eateries rivals that of many larger destinations. There is more culinary variety, sophistication, and innovation than you’d ever expect from a nostalgic beach town.

Consider Norwood’s Restaurant & Treehouse Bar, an area landmark since 1946, famous for its succulent seafood, house-aged steaks, and leafy deck perched high in an oak tree overlooking the intracoastal waterway. Meet friends here at sunset for live music, bacon-wrapped scallops, and a cocktail crafted with house-made syrups and freshly pressed juices. Or if you’re in a wine mood, discover a new favorite among their impressive collection of very affordably priced bottles gathered from around the world.

Just blocks from the beach, Third Wave Café occupies a Craftsman-style cottage, operating as a laid-back bistro during the day and an elegant dinner spot at night, complete with a lush garden in back. Not only are the daily seafood selections enticing, but they’re also environmentally friendly thanks to Chef David Moscoso’s dedication to cooking with local and sustainable ingredients, a commitment recognized by the prestigious James Beard Foundation. You can also feel good about the wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas, Wagyu short ribs, and candied salmon—all must-tries.

In this city teeming with natural beauty, a picnic by the ocean indulges all of your senses at once. To get started, head to Paco Submarine, which redefines sandwich-making as a serious craft. Everything here is made from scratch: that includes smoking bacon for the BLT and curing pastrami for The Clayton, a layering of meat, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and creamy mustard on rye. Each sandwich gets its own style of bread, which is also homemade. If you can’t wait to spread out your blanket, order some fries to eat on your trek over the causeway. They’re as good as you’ll find anywhere, Belgium included. 

If you’re craving a cup of coffee with a side of Bohemian charm, visit Luma, an open-air café with hanging chairs and shady porticos. Revel in the chill atmosphere or grab something to go and warm your toes in the sand while watching surfers ride the waves.

Tiki culture is alive and well at Avanu on Flagler, where gastropub classics are accented with Asian and Polynesian flavors. Check out the rooftop to bask in ocean breezes and behold incredible views of the palmy surroundings. The crispy Korean fried chicken, lemongrass seafood noodles, and playful bar menu are irresistibly inviting after a sunbaked day on the shore.

At Café Verde, it’s immediately clear you’re about to eat well on vacation. Their menu features plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options. This bright, airy space is the perfect spot for imaginative salads, grain bowls, globally flavored entrées, and craft cocktails. Their BLT scallop tacos topped with house-made salsas are an edible getaway all on their own.

Across the Indian River from the beach, Spanish River Grill brings an authentic taste of Spain to Florida. The whipped feta, garlicky mushrooms with house-made bread, and crispy chicken a la plancha pair perfectly with a glass of sangria or Spanish wines from a well-curated list. For dessert, the Basque cheesecake is a light, fluffy, caramelized wonder. Just heavenly.

Speaking of otherworldly baked goods, the Dutch Oven Bread Co. opens soon on Canal Street in the midst of shops and galleries (there’s a sister bakery a short drive away in Edgewater). Pick up a crusty, chewy baguette, and recharge with a mouthwatering fruit danish or an enormous cinnamon roll. Just down the street, there’s Shebeen, where you can indulge in treats like truffles with a matcha latte or a fruit-topped waffle with an icy-cold chai. Their inventive ice creams include “booze-jee” flavors for adults only.

In a town replete with bright colors, warm hospitality, and Old Florida charm, New Smyrna Beach’s restaurants stir richness into the mix, creating a destination where every meal is a reminder to embrace the good life and “Relax Already.”

Start planning a delectable escape at visitnsbfl.com.

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New England’s museum collections span history, time, and even space. Within these cultural treasure chests you’ll find famous art and artifacts, but also under-the-radar gems you didn’t know you needed to see … until now.   

24 Crowd Favorites and Hidden Gems in New England Museums

Vermont Museums

Shelburne Museum | Shelburne, VT

The Crowd-Pleaser: Board the 220-foot steamship Ticonderoga in its landlocked berth, and explore the four decks, pilothouse, and crew’s quarters. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the ship’s arrival at the Shelburne Museum—a feat of maritime preservation.

The Cool Surprise: Created as part of a 1960s national ad campaign to promote Vermont’s granite industry, Norman Rockwell’s The Craftsman sketch is one of three works by the legendary illustrator newly acquired by the Shelburne Museum from the Rock of Ages quarry. (The name “Norwell” engraved on the headstone is a playful self-reference.)

Bonus Pick: St. Johnsbury Athenaeum | St. Johnsbury, VT

The Crowd-Pleaser: Benefactor Horace Fairbanks added a room specifically for The Domes of the Yosemite oil painting, featuring it prominently in what today is the oldest unaltered gallery in the country. The giant 10×15-foot landscape depicts the grandeur of the Yosemite Valley and is based on artist Albert Bierstadt’s visits to the West Coast in the mid-1860s.

The Cool Surprise: Within the masterpiece of this building (a National Historic Landmark), look for the library’s two spiral staircases (no longer in use). The risers feature delicate scrollwork, and walnut balusters support a sheening banister curving to a second-floor balcony. It’s a good reminder that architecture is as much an art as the framed pieces that hang on the walls.

Massachusetts Museums

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston | Boston, MA

The Crowd-Pleaser: Paul Revere himself made the celebrated Sons of Liberty Bowl in 1768 at his Boston workshop, likely by melting down old silver coins. The secret society of Revolutionaries who commissioned the bowl used it for serving rum punch at their meetings.

The Cool Surprise: For another perspective on U.S. history, look for the large stoneware storage jar crafted in 1857 by an enslaved South Carolina man named David Drake. Adding a line of verse and his name, “Dave,” to his work was a daring move for someone who had to learn to read and write outside the law.

Bonus Pick: Norman Rockwell Museum | Stockbridge, MA

The Crowd-Pleaser: Freedom From Want, Freedom From Fear, Freedom of Speech, and Freedom of Worship: These iconic images were inspired by a 1941 address to Congress by President Roosevelt. Today, the Four Freedoms oil paintings by Norman Rockwell are a cornerstone in the museum’s permanent collection, and just as relevant as when they were first conceived.

The Cool Surprise: On the floor next to the painting easel in Rockwell’s studio, a brass bucket held paint rags and dumped pipe ashes. But sometimes that combination created small fires; the bucket would quickly get thrown outside and took some dings and dents to show for it.

New Hampshire Museums

Currier Museum of Art | Manchester, NH

The Crowd-Pleaser: Think the Currier is a small-town museum? Think again. One of many well-known pieces in its collection is Monet’s The Bridge at Bougival, an 1869 oil painting of a tranquil scene outside Paris. You’ll also find works by Calder, di Suvero, Matisse, Picasso, Sargent, Andrew Wyeth, and more.

The Cool Surprise: Installed just this year, Judy Pfaff’s Glazed and Confused: Rockin’ Lobster Majolica wall sculpture gives a modern nod to Victorian-era pottery with its jumble of cardboard, wire, and fake flowers in an organic shape and its mix of bold colors.

Bonus Pick: Canterbury Shaker Village | Canterbury, NH

The Crowd-Pleaser: In 1834, Elder Micajah Tucker used pine and birch from the village to create a low-back Windsor-style Shaker dining chair. It fits neatly beneath the table, and allowed the Sisters to more easily clean up after their meals for 150 people. You can view two on display: one in the furniture exhibit in the Carriage House (visitor’s center) and another in the Dwelling House.

The Cool Surprise: The Canterbury Shakers did not invent built-in cabinetry, but they excelled in designing and constructing such convenient storage solutions. Built-ins opened floor space in the community’s many shared rooms and required less dusting. The impressive example of built-in cabinetry in the Deaconess Retiring Room forms one wall in the 1793 Dwelling House.

Maine Museums

Maine Mineral & Gem Museum | Bethel, ME

The Crowd-Pleaser: Known as NWA 12760, the largest piece of the moon on display anywhere in the world is the highlight here. The meteorite weighs 128 pounds! (Although this specimen is strictly no-touch for visitors, you can hold a sizable piece of moon rock elsewhere at the museum.)

The Cool Surprise: Named for its unusual pink or red core and green exterior, watermelon tourmaline was first identified in 1910 at a quarry in Maine. This example of Maine’s state mineral—and its most popular gemstone—has been cut to show off that stunning color.

Bonus Pick: Maine Maritime Museum | Bath, ME

The Crowd-Pleaser: This original Fresnel lens, from the east tower at Two Lights in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, once shone its light 20 miles out to sea. Now see up close how the light reflects and refracts thanks to the hundreds of pieces of glass artfully constructed in a beehive shape.

The Cool Surprise: This clipper ship didn’t return to its home port, Portland. But, lucky for us, a section of its bow was uncovered in the 1980s and brought back to Maine. The Snow Squall shipwreck is the sole remaining example of these mid-nineteenth-century, American-built trade ships known for their speed.

Connecticut Museums

Yale Peabody Museum | New Haven, CT

The Crowd-Pleaser: Sprawling 16 feet high and 110 feet long, Rudolph F. Zallinger’s The Age of Reptiles mural dominates the newly renovated Burke Hall of Dinosaurs—and proves that while our understanding of these creatures may have changed, their powerful hold on our imagination has not.

The Cool Surprise: By expanding the range of expertise showcased in its galleries, the Yale Peabody aspires to create a more welcoming, engaging, and relevant museum. Case in point: Eternal Cities, a mesmerizing sculptural art piece created in 2023 by local Syrian American artist Mohamad Hafez.

Bonus Pick: Wadsworth Athenaeum | Hartford, CT

The Crowd-Pleaser: The St. Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy oil painting, on display at the oldest continuously operating public art museum in the United States, is the first-known religious composition by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. Note the strong contrasts between the shaft of light at the center and the dark shadows. His technique was groundbreaking for the time, and became a “defining characteristic of Baroque art.”

The Cool Surprise: This gilt shell with a figure riding a top it, patiently making its way, sits in the Cabinet of Art and Curiosity gallery. The Nautilus snail collectible, donated by J. Pierpont Morgan, dates to the 1630s when personal displays of “universal learning,” featuring a mix of art and nature, were popular.

Rhode Island Museums

RISD Museum | Providence, RI

The Crowd-Pleaser: A stellar example of the museum’s wide-ranging collection, this 12th-century Buddha statue—the largest Japanese wooden statue in the United States—stands 10 feet tall and commands its own gallery. Legend has it that the statue was stored for centuries in a farmhouse after its original temple burned.

The Cool Surprise: Made of honeybee wings sourced humanely from RISD’s campus hives, artist Luci Jockel’s Bee Wing Lace Neckpiece honors the natural world and highlights the importance of pollinators. The design was inspired by lace in the museum’s collection.

Bonus Pick: Newport Car Museum | Portsmouth, RI

The Crowd-Pleaser: In a word: performance. The centerpiece of the museum’s American collection, the 1965 Ford Shelby 427 SC Cobra sports car is only 1 of 31 ever sold through dealerships—at a price of $9,600, which that year was twice the average U.S. household income. Feast your eyes on the side pipes, riveted hood scoop, and flared fenders.

The Cool Surprise: Meanwhile, your eyes might bug out at the 2006 Bugatti Veyron, a French luxury sports car. The Veyron has a top speed of 250 mph and is priced at $1,250,000. As the auto designer Ettore Bugatti once said, “Nothing is too beautiful and nothing is too expensive.” Or is it?

Let us know your favorite hidden gems in New England museums!

Parts of this article were originally published as “Double Feature” in the May/June 2025 issue of Yankee Magazine.

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Looking for the best things to do in Boston this summer? Whether you’re craving city-spanning adventures, sky-high relaxation, or flavors from around the globe, this curated list of 10 can’t-miss experiences has you covered. From feasting in the North End and catching Shakespeare under the stars to pedaling through the Emerald Necklace or sipping cocktails on a tiki boat, these are the most unforgettable ways to soak up summer in the Hub—whatever your perfect day looks like.

10 Best Things to Do in Boston This Summer

1. Join the Party in the North End – Celebrate Italian heritage at Boston’s lively summer street festas.

The colorful, flavorful, and semi-chaotic glory of the North End’s festas (or feast days) celebrates the southern Italian heritage of honoring beloved saints and martyrs with processions, music, food, and prayer. Streets fill with revelers, live music echoes off brick buildings, and the air is scented with savory sausage and peppers. Two of the largest are the Fisherman’s Feast, August 14–17, and Saint Anthony’s Feast, August 28–31, but all are worth checking out.

2. Dine by the Water in Eastie – Savor Italian fare with million-dollar skyline views.

The best-kept secret in waterfront dining is East Boston, where the million-dollar views of Boston’s skyline seem to outshine any other on the harbor. Water taxis board at Fan Pier or Long Wharf on the Boston side and disembark on the Eastie side just steps from Mida, chef Douglass Williams’s award-winning Italian restaurant, where the meatballs, gnocchi cacio e pepe, and clam pizza hold their own against the scenery.

3. Pedal the Parks – Explore Boston’s green gems by bike on a guided or DIY ride.

Don’t get so distracted by the harbor’s sapphire waters that you forget the city’s Emerald Necklace. Urban AdvenTours runs a four-hour guided bike tour through the beautiful string of parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. From the Esplanade to the Southwest Corridor Park and the Arnold Arboretum, you’ll cover more than 15 miles and several of the city’s most beloved urban oases. Or, strike out on your own with a rented e-bike from the network of Bluebikes parked all over Boston, and you’ll barely break a sweat.

4. Soak Up Free Culture – Enjoy outdoor concerts and Shakespeare under the stars.

The Boston Landmarks Orchestra hosts open-air concerts at the Hatch Shell throughout the summer. Grab snacks and a beer before the show at the Esplanade’s Night Shift Brewing beer garden. Alternatively, Free Shakespeare on the Common presents performances of As You Like It from mid-July through early August on Boston Common. Nab picnic supplies at the newly opened Flour Bakery at the nearby Concession Pavilion and savor a repast beneath the stars.

5. Catch a Tropical Wave – Sip tiki cocktails while cruising Boston Harbor.

Tiki Boat Boston operates a fleet of three pontoon boats, all decked out in full tiki bar fashion with palm roofs and tropical silk flowers arranged around a full bar complete with bartender and DJ. Parties of up to 24 can sip mai tais and palomas while cruising Boston Harbor and soaking up views of iconic landmarks on the 90-minute trip. Private and corporate reservations are available, too.

6. Get Your Licks In – Take a scoop-filled tour of Boston’s best ice cream spots.

Take inspiration from the Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail, which highlights 100-plus sweet spots across the state, to plot your own scoop-filled journey across Greater Boston. Emack and Bolio’s in Charlestown and the Back Bay, Gracie’s in Somerville, and Honeycomb Creamery in Cambridge are all worth a visit, along with locally owned mainstays like New City Microcreamery, Toscanini’s, and Christina’s in Cambridge; Boston Ice Cream Factory in Dorchester; Crescent Ridge at the Boston Public Market; and vegan specialist FoMu in the South End, Fenway, and Quincy Market.

7. Take a Sky-High Dip – Lounge poolside above the city at the Colonnade Hotel.

The Colonnade Hotel boasts a lovely rooftop pool with views of the Back Bay and the South End, food and drink service, and cabanas to rent. It’s open to the public Monday through Thursday and on Sunday afternoons for a fee of $55, which seems fair for a full day of waterside luxury in the heart of the city.

8. Chow Down in Chinatown – Eat your way through a neighborhood rich in flavor and history.

Along with roughly 7,000 residents, Chinatown is home to legacy eateries and newcomers, plus bakeries, barbecue spots, and enough other treasures to fill a weekend itinerary. Boston Chinatown Tours, led by longtime resident Jacqueline Church, takes you to the best of the best, with delicious bites and deep insights along the way.

9. Go ‘Fourth’ and Conquer – Celebrate Independence Day the Boston way.

There’s more to Independence Day in Boston than the Pops and fireworks. Attend the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence from the balcony of the Old State House in the morning, then head to the Seaport to view the turnaround cruise of the USS Constitution. In the afternoon, head to Downtown Crossing for an ice cream social and the reading of Frederick Douglass’s electric 1852 speech “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”

10. Roll with It – Enjoy the ultimate lobster roll with harbor views to match.

A great lobster roll eaten by the water is the ultimate expression of the form. ReelHouse Oyster Bar sits at the very end of Fan Pier, and its lobster roll, served cold with mayo or hot with butter, is excellent. The restaurant is upscale, with seafood towers and caviar service (along with Neapolitan-style pizzas for the seafood-averse). Looking for a seafood-shack vibe? James Hook & Co. has all the classics—hot and cold rolls, lobster pie, chowder—just a stone’s throw from the spot where Fort Point Channel meets the harbor.

See More: 2025 Boston Travel Guide | Hotels, Dining & Attractions

What tops your list of the best things to do in Boston this summer? Let us know!

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Looking for the best things to do in Connecticut this summer? Whether you’re in the mood for cultural deep dives, coastal bites, or cool mountain escapes, this curated list of 10 can’t-miss experiences has you covered. From following a Christmas movie trail in July to catching drive-in double features, splashing around at a brand-new water park, or dining with skyline views in Hartford, these are the most memorable ways to explore the Nutmeg State—whatever your summer style.

10 Best Things to Do in Connecticut This Summer

1. Find Christmas in July – Follow Connecticut’s new holiday movie trail through real-life storybook towns.

More than 20 holiday movies have been filmed in Connecticut, and you don’t have to wait for actual flurries to fly (the directors don’t!) to open your heart to a bit of magic. Follow a stretch of the new Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail (ctvisit.com/articles/christmas-movies-in-connecticut), and you’ll encounter screen-worthy towns, cozy eateries, attractive inns like Wethersfield’s Silas W. Robbins House (silaswrobbins.com), and maybe that old flame you’ve never erased from your brain. You never know.

2. Delight in the Museum – Explore 200 years of history (and coffee!) at Hartford’s reimagined cultural hub.

The Connecticut Museum of Culture and History looks as much to the future as the past in its “Then, Now, Next: 200 Years and Counting” exhibition, opening May 22 in the midst of a yearlong bicentennial celebration for this Hartford institution. There’s a jolt of energy that’s fueling museum programming, expansion plans, and events that you’ll sense even before you wander through the multisensory exhibition “Coffee: A Connecticut Story,” also on view through early 2026.

3. Catch a Drive-In Double – Watch movies under the stars at the retro-cool Mansfield Drive-In.

The Mansfield Drive-In turned 70 last year, and with nightly double features on three outdoor screens, it’s as robust as ever. Affordable ticket prices make it easy to splurge on fresh-popped corn, fried dough, and slushies. Your quiet canine is welcome to join you for an under-the-stars night of entertainment. If you’d like to make a weekend of it, the dog-friendly Daniel Rust House is eight minutes away in Coventry.

4. Make a Splash at Great Wolf – Dive into Connecticut’s newest indoor water park in Mashantucket.

Rain or shine, it’s a water-play day at Great Wolf Lodge. This new indoor water-park resort in Mashantucket will welcome its first families on April 25, so get there while grand-opening deals are available and the hoopla is at a high. Kids will love the nonstop entertainment and log-lodge-style rooms, while their parents find the 21-and-up North Hot Springs inviting. Word is there’ll be a waterslide here unique in the Great Wolf universe.

5. Take It to the Top – Dine above the skyline at Jeff Lizotte’s hot new Hartford restaurant, The Foundry.

One of Connecticut’s premier chefs is back on top of the world, and you can be among the first to savor what Jeff Lizotte is cooking up in his window-walled space atop the Hartford Steam Boiler building. At The Foundry, expect an always-changing, seasonally inspired menu of dishes that exist only here at this moment in time. All signs indicate this will be summer’s toughest reservation to score, so plan accordingly.

6. Chill Out in Norfolk – Escape the heat with hikes, concerts, and cool mountain air.

Norfolk is known as the “icebox of Connecticut,” and naturally cooler temperatures make this an ideal escape for hiking at Dennis Hill State Park and Haystack Mountain State Park, as well as for spreading out a blanket on the green for free Friday-night concerts. Stay at the comfortably regal Manor House Inn and you might bump into acclaimed musicians who are here to play in Yale School of Music’s enduring Norfolk Chamber Music Festival.

7. Eat to the Beat in Madison – Pair beachfront dining with free Thursday-night concerts.

Toes in the sand, drink in hand—be sure to allow time for a private-beach stroll before your reservation at The Wharf Restaurant at Madison Beach Hotel. Who knew some of the highest-caliber free summer concerts are in Madison on Thursday nights? You do now, so reserve a table on the porch and listen in as you devour grilled swordfish or a hot lobster roll. Lighter bites are available for purchase on the lawn on show nights if you’d rather bring your own chairs. Our Weekends with Yankee crew met up at The Wharf with Connecticut-based vegan chef Chrissy Tracey for Season 9 (check your local PBS listings).

8. Shuck and Sip Along the Trail – Slurp your way through the new Connecticut Oyster Trail.

Thanks to the 2024 debut of the Connecticut Oyster Trail, you now have a handy map to the Nutmeg State’s bevy of bivalve farms and the restaurants that serve their salty-sweet harvest. Only have time for one stop? Make it Fair Haven Oyster Co., overlooking the lovely Quinnipiac River, where you can trust that chef Emily Mingrone is serving the best raw-bar selections, along with clever cocktails and savory plates including what Gwyneth Paltrow has hailed as “one of the best cheeseburgers of my life.”

9. Get Cooking Again – Learn from the pros at the revived Silo Cooking School in New Milford.

Dormant for years since the days when it attracted celebrity-chef teachers like Martha Stewart and Jacques Pépin, The Silo Cooking School in New Milford is making a comeback. Register for a public class or book a private session for your group, and experience the inspiring environs of Hunt Hill Farm as it aims to become Connecticut’s culinary epicenter once again.

10. See the Sun Rise – Catch WNBA action as the Connecticut Sun light up Mohegan Sun Arena.

Just when you’re missing March Madness, the Connecticut Sun season is heating up at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville. From mid-May through mid-September, every WNBA star will make an appearance in this arena, but do consider cheering for the home team—the only pro-level squad in Connecticut.

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Whether you’re craving coastal views, culture, or culinary surprises, Rhode Island delivers in a big way this summer. From sipping bubbly at Castle Hill Inn to watching world-class polo matches in Newport and diving into the food scene at Providence’s new Track 15, these can’t-miss experiences prove that the Ocean State is small but seriously mighty. Explore our top picks for the best things to do in Rhode Island this summer—including beach strolls, pinball palaces, and a sunset toast or two.

10 Best Things to Do in Rhode Island This Summer

1. Drink in a Sunset at Castle Hill Inn – Raise a glass to golden hour from Newport’s most iconic lawn.

If there’s a more glorious slope of lawn in New England than the one at Newport’s Castle Hill Inn, it’s probably not open to everyone—but Castle Hill’s is. Claim an Adirondack chair (first come, first served), and order bubbly or a glass of crisp white wine. You have everything you need to chef’s kiss the sun goodnight.

2. Have a Sand Blast in Charlestown – Atlantis Rising returns with epic art—and a new summer vibe.

South County’s fun-for-all Atlantis Rising International Sand Sculpture Competition returns after a one-year hiatus, and it’s relocating to a new venue and moving up from October to May. Yay! Head to Ninigret Park in Charlestown May 30–June 1 to marvel at massive, intricately carved sand creations. Live music, food, photo ops, and locally made goods add to the festive energy—and keep an eye out for the two ginormous troll sculptures tucked into the 227-acre park last year by Danish recycling artist Thomas Dambo.

3. Eat Your Way Through Track 15 in Providence – Union Station’s next act? A sizzling new food hall.

Providence’s new Track 15 food hall transforms historic Union Station into an exciting dining hub with indoor-outdoor seating for you and about 400 friends you haven’t met yet. Savor diverse fare from seven all-star vendors: Dolores (Mexican); Dune Brothers (seafood); Giusto PVD (Italian); Little Chaska (Indian); Mother Pizzeria (pizza); There, There (burgers); and Tolia (Turkish).

4. Get in the Game at the Tennis Hall of Fame – Newport’s hallowed tennis grounds debut a bold new look.

Newport has deep tennis roots, and that’s just one aspect of the game that will be getting extra love when the International Tennis Hall of Fame reopens in May following a multimillion-dollar transformation. Be among the first fans to engage with an augmented-reality sculpture in the Celebration Gallery, which toasts the sport across generations. The new Hall of Famers’ Gallery features a cast racquet representing each legendary inductee. Even the Roger Federer hologram is serving up some new surprises.

5. Obsess Over Every Bite at Pizza Marvin – One of New England’s best pizzas is right here in Providence.

Chef Robert Andreozzi of Providence’s Pizza Marvin made a Caprese with bluefin tuna, tomato gelée, stracciatella, and pepperoni vinaigrette for the annual A Taste of New England event that was unreal. A year later, I still think about it—obsessively. No surprise: This year Andreozzi has been named a James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Best Chef–Northeast for the second time. If you’re a pizza-loving foodie, you know what you must do.

6. Wing It to Blithewold’s Bamboo Bird Exhibit – Bristol’s giant sculptures fly away soon—don’t miss your shot.

Big Beautiful Bamboo Birds … you don’t have to be able to say it 10 times fast to appreciate how remarkable these six towering bird sculptures by artists The Myth Makers are. They landed last summer at Blithewold in Bristol, and they’re flying away after August 11 this year, so wing your way to this multifaceted waterfront estate, where the largest giant sequoia on the East Coast will also make you look remarkably small in photos.

7. Step Right Up for Newport Polo – International matches, dapper tailgates, and divot stomping await.

“Stomping divots” isn’t the name of a punk band—it’s an amusing thing you’ll get to do when you attend a Newport Polo match. You’re encouraged to bring your own picnic food and wine, and at $25 for lawn seats (children 15 and under are admitted free), you can’t beat the value for the upscale vibes. Each match has a theme: It’s an excuse to dress your summer-chic best to cheer on the ponies and players. Yet for all the frivolity, the June–September schedule features serious international competition. USA’s rematch with Scotland on June 21 is bound to be a highlight of this biggest-ever season. Expect bagpipes.

8. Play All Day at Electromagnetic Pinball Museum – $10 unlocks unlimited retro fun in Pawtucket.

Unlimited pinball, Skee-Ball, and arcade games … no quarters, no tokens. That’s what $10 buys at Pawtucket’s Electromagnetic Pinball Museum and Restoration, where you can play your way through time and space as you wander a collection of 100-plus games that date from the ’40s to today. Curious about their history? Or how they work? The team here will indulge your desire to geek out. If your eyes are glued to the flippers of a rare game, though, they get that, too.

9. Twirl Your Fork at Ida’s in Middletown – 5,000 pounds of fresh pasta can’t be wrong.

Federal Hill in Providence is known for its Italian eateries, but over in Middletown, the Puerini family quietly made and served more than 5,000 pounds of fresh pasta last year at their unassuming little Ida’s Restaurant. That’s the weight of a smallish adult elephant! If you’re in the Newport area, try this local favorite for espresso martinis, mac and cheese with homemade cavatelli, and lasagna stacked so high it leans like that tower in Pisa.

10. Reach the Beach in Little Compton – Stone House Inn leads you to the edge of the Ocean State.

With 16 cool suites, Stone House Inn in Little Compton feels like such a secret hideaway. Especially when you wander across the back lawn, turn left, and follow the road and the siren call of waves crashing against rock outcroppings. In minutes, you’ll be at Rhode Island’s very edge, sharing the brown-sugar sands of Tappens Beach with precious few souls.

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Looking for the best things to do in New Hampshire this summer? Whether you’re up for a mineral dig on a mountaintop, craving gourmet ice cream in the White Mountains, or hoping to paddle your way to an oyster farm, this curated list is packed with unforgettable summer adventures. From dog-friendly resorts and music under the stars to food truck feasts and tranquil yoga by the sea, it’s your ultimate guide to soaking up the season in the Granite State.

10 Best Things to Do in New Hampshire This Summer

1. Cold Comfort with Super Secret Ice Cream – Scratch-made flavors and waffle cones worthy of a James Beard nod.

Our love for Super Secret Ice Cream is no secret: We visited this farm-to-homemade-waffle-cone destination in Bethlehem during Season 8 of Weekends with Yankee. And we’re not surprised Kristina Zontini’s creative creamery is a semifinalist for a “culinary Oscar”—a James Beard Award for Outstanding Bakery—especially since she herself was a semifinalist last year in the Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker category. You be the judge when you dig into tiny-batch flavors like blueberry basil and rhubarb almond crunch, all scratch-made with organic sugar and Hatchland Farm milk and cream.

2. Dogs Deserve Vacations Too – Mountain View Grand’s luxe new pet program is next-level.

Whitefield’s Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa has catapulted into a new category of dog-friendliness with its Mountain Paws program. In addition to creature comforts like homemade treats, plush pet beds, and food and water bowls, furry guests receive a Tractive GPS & Health Tracker, allowing them to romp freely through the resort’s 1,700 acres.

3. Kayak to the Pearls – Paddle out for oysters and eco-insights on Little Bay.

You’ll never forget the thrill of kayaking out to a floating farmhouse and slurping oysters fresh from the tidal waters of Little Bay. Two-hour outings with PK Paddle Tours, in collaboration with Hidden Coast Shellfish, blend wildlife observation and ecological insights with one-of-a-kind gastronomic indulgence. Public tours depart June through mid-October from Durham; private excursions can be booked year-round.

4. Opera Under the Stars – Experience Opera North’s Summerfest at Blow-Me-Down Farm.

If it’s been a while since you were spellbound, you owe yourself tickets to a performance at Blow-Me-Down Farm in Cornish, the summer home of Opera North. Picnic in this mountain-view setting before ducking under the weatherproof tent, where all ages are mesmerized by the pageantry and vocal gymnastics of opera reimagined for a new era. Summerfest runs June 27–July 27 and features stagings of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, an operatic retelling of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince, and the musical Man of La Mancha, as relevant today as when it debuted 60 years ago.

5. Dig Deep at Ruggles Mine – Harvest your own gems atop a mountain with panoramic views.

The Beatles sang about diamonds in the heavens. If you’re a rock hound, you can harvest your own amethyst, feldspar, quartz, garnet, and uraninite at “The Mine in the Sky.” Ruggles Mine, atop Isinglass Mountain in Grafton, reopened last summer after sitting dormant since 2016. First tapped for minerals in 1803 and operated as a tourist attraction starting in the early 1960s, it’s still a place of wonder, where $30 buys you a “license” to collect up to a five-gallon bucket of rocks. Plus, there’s tent and self-contained RV camping for just $10 a person per night.

6. Find Your Ridge-Top Retreat – Escape to a quiet, adults-only farm inn with big mountain vibes.

An unpaved country lane leads to a dream of an inn that’s less than two hours from Boston but far, far away from the city’s pace. In New Durham, Top of the Ridge Farm sits high and remote enough to have a White Mountains view, and getting there in a heartbeat means you’ll be relaxing in a red Adirondack chair, noshing on the inn’s signature charcuterie board, and sipping your favorite beverage before you know it. Although the building has 18th- and 19th-century origins, your private chamber is bright and contemporary. And it’s one of only four, so you’ll feel like this adults-only haven is all yours.

7. Eat, Drink, and Hang at Tideline Public House – Craft beer, food trucks, firepits, and more in downtown Durham.

When Scott Letourneau and his wife, Karen, returned to New England after more than two decades in Oregon, they found themselves missing the year-round craft beer and food truck scene. So in 2023, they transformed the site of Durham’s old town hall into Tideline Public House, a family-friendly indoor-outdoor hangout with 16 beers on tap and as many as seven food vendors dishing up bites for all tastes. There’s more: an on-site mercantile, two overnight rooms, and firepits to chase away after-dark chills.

8. Flow with the Tide – Free morning yoga classes right on the beach in Hampton.

Salinated breezes and the ocean’s rolling rhythms can take you deeper into your yoga practice. So join Hampton Beach Yoga & Mindfulness near the Seashell Stage in Hampton Beach for free yoga classes at 7 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 17–September 4. You’ll need to preregister online using the provided code, and there’s a limit of two free classes per person per month.

9. Savor the Best of NH in One Night – Celebrate top local eats and sips at New Hampshire Magazine’s annual party.

Our Yankee Publishing siblings at New Hampshire Magazine throw an annual Best of New Hampshire celebration spotlighting their own honorees, and this year’s fete at Flag Hill Distillery & Winery in Lee is your chance to sip and savor your way around the state, all in one place. Secure your tickets for June 26, then dress your garden-party best for an evening of music and good cheer.

10. Concerts Worth Booking Early – Music, dogs, and good vibes in the Meadow at The Word Barn.

The tickets go fast for outdoor summer concerts in the Meadow at The Word Barn in Exeter. These top-notch shows have the intimacy of a backyard bash, and even your dog is invited (if your dog likes New Orleans jazz, say, or gritty folk-rock). Book the on-site Airbnb, and you’re guaranteed admission even if the evening’s show is sold out. The music jumps inside the renovated 17th-century barn if storm clouds threaten.

See More: 2025 New Hampshire Travel Guide | Hotels, Dining & Attractions

What tops your list of the best things to do in New Hampshire this summer? Let us know!

The post 10 Best Things to Do in New Hampshire This Summer 2025 appeared first on New England.

Looking for the best things to do in Maine this summer? Whether you’re craving coastal adventures, unforgettable meals, or quiet moments with nature, this curated list of 10 can’t-miss experiences has you covered. From rowing lessons with a Registered Maine Guide to sipping wine on an oyster cruise, cheering on Portland’s new soccer team, or sleeping aboard a luxury houseboat, these are the season’s most memorable ways to explore the Pine Tree State—no matter your travel style.

10 Best Things to Do in Maine This Summer

1. Row, Row, Row Her Boat – Learn to row with a Registered Maine Guide and connect with the water in a whole new way.

Nicolle Littrell’s Belfast-based business, DoryWoman Rowing, is all about introducing the sport to folks who’ve never imagined taking the oars. As we learned when catching up with this Registered Maine Guide for Weekends with Yankee Season 9 (check your local PBS listings), Littrell’s little wooden dory is a safe space to experience the exhilaration of setting out into a briny world filled with life. Her warm personality ensures that you’ll feel comfortable from the first stroke.

2. Get Your Kicks in Portland – Cheer on Maine’s first pro soccer team, the Hearts of Pine, all summer long.

It’s taken five-plus years to achieve the goal of having a professional soccer team in Maine, and now fans are gaga for the Portland-based Hearts of Pine. Their inaugural USL League One season features matches all summer and into October, so get yourself to Fitzpatrick Stadium. And get your hands on some merch, too—the team’s logo is as beautiful as their name suggests.

3. Sip and Slurp on the Damariscotta River – Cruise, taste oysters, and sip wine with views of Maine’s shellfish capital.

An oyster-and-wine-tasting excursion with Damariscotta River Cruises is an indulgent two hours of scenery and gastronomy. Damariscotta is Maine’s oyster capital, and on this cruise you’ll motor past several of the farms that cultivate the 10 different oysters you’ll sample, all expertly paired with wines by an onboard sommelier. If you arrive back at the dock a bit tipsy, walk down Main Street to The Shuck Station, where you can linger over dinner and another dozen oysters straight out of the nutrient-rich river.

4. Sleep on Water in Kennebunk – Drift into luxury aboard the White Barn Inn’s dreamy new floating guesthouse.

You haven’t been rocked to sleep like this since you were a baby. The latest collaboration between Kennebunk’s esteemed White Barn Inn and interior designer Jenny Wolf has a sweet name: Cora. It’s an ultra-luxurious houseboat with a rooftop deck, afloat on the Kennebunk River but tethered to the property’s private dock. So you’re not going anywhere … except into a deep, tranquil dream state.

5. Line Up for Maine’s Sweetest Bites – From viral croissant buns to Polish donuts, these bakeries are worth the wait.

Operating out of what was their Camden home’s garage, Chelsea Kravitz and Chris Dawson have made The Place a wait-in-line destination. The New York Times writer Melissa Clark helped, naming this tiny bakery one of the best in the nation. Here’s a tip: Stalk their Instagram and preorder by noon on Thursday for the weekend ahead. Their croissant cinnamon buns are a must. Wondering where Maine’s next bakery sensation might be hiding? Our eyes are on Mount Vernon’s lakeside Scapes Cafe and its filled Polish donuts (available weekends only).

6. Crack Into a Whole-Lobster Dinner – Go big (and buttery) at Nunan’s Lobster Hut, a 72-year-old Kennebunkport legend.

When a mere lobster roll won’t do, devour a whole-lobster dinner at Nunan’s Lobster Hut in Kennebunkport. Even locals can’t resist the draw of fresh-caught “bugs,” boiled, pre-cracked to make feasting easy, and served with sweet butter. It’s a formula that’s kept this family-owned business busy for 72 years.

See More: How to Cook Lobster | Tips from Bertha Nunan

7. Explore the Wilds with a Maine Guide – Book outdoor adventures with experts who know Maine’s rugged terrain best.

The wilds of Maine are best explored with a Registered Maine Guide. The state is unique in its training and certification of outdoor experts who make pursuits like moose viewing, fishing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting both successful and safe. Even in the most remote parts of the state, you’ll find Registered Maine Guides who know the ins and outs of the terrain, and their knowledge guarantees that you’ll come away from your adventure with new confidence and skills.

8. Picnic at a Historic Horse Sanctuary – Enjoy lunch and equine companionship at the MSSPA in Windham.

The MSSPA has been saving neglected and abused horses for more than 150 years. Their farm home in Windham is a picturesque picnic spot, with umbrella tables available to those who reserve visits with these lovingly tended equines: Time slots are available at no charge (although donations are appreciated) Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Order takeout from Yolked Farm to Table, 15 minutes north of the farm, for an elevated alfresco lunch.

9. Feel the Force with the Symphony – Hear Star Wars like never before with live accompaniment by the Portland Symphony.

As the Portland Symphony Orchestra wraps up its 100th-anniversary season, it’s tuning up for powerful performances of Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert (May 3 and 4) featuring a screening of the film that introduced us to Luke, Leia, Han, and Obi-Wan and the live accompaniment of John Williams’s beloved score. The centennial celebration continues through the final rousing note of Dvořák’s New World Symphony on June 17.

10. Stay Somewhere That Gives Back – At Inn by the Sea, your stay plants trees and supports eco-initiatives.

From restoring habitat for endangered New England cottontails to serving responsibly harvested seafood, Cape Elizabeth’s Inn by the Sea takes sustainability seriously. Having long been recognized as an eco-leader, the beachside property deepens its commitment this year by planting a tree for every reservation. Your vacation memories will live on as a fire-ravaged forest in Colorado is reborn.

See More: 2025 Maine Travel Guide | Hotels, Dining & Attractions

What tops your list of the best things to do in Maine this summer? Let us know!

The post 10 Best Things to Do in Maine This Summer 2025 appeared first on New England.

Looking for the best things to do in Massachusetts this summer? From slurping oysters on the bay to celebrating Revolutionary history with an epic reenactment, these 10 unforgettable experiences showcase the creativity, culinary innovation, natural beauty, and cultural depth that make Massachusetts a must-visit summer destination. Whether you’re up for van life, jazz on the Cape, or contemporary art in the Berkshires, there’s something here to inspire every kind of traveler.

10 Best Things to Do in Massachusetts This Summer

1. Get Out of Your Shell in Duxbury – Wi-Fi, oysters, and lobster dip—your new favorite workday trio.

If your job allows you to work from anywhere, why wouldn’t you choose an outdoor table at The Raw Bar at Island Creek Oyster Farm in Duxbury? The Wi-Fi is reliable. Serene bay views and hyperlocal oyster selections will help clear your head. And there’s no task that can’t be made more palatable with a side of cheesy baked lobster dip.

2. Supper by the Sea at Wequassett – Celebrate 100 years of Cape Cod elegance with family-style seaside feasts.

Turning 100 is a big deal, so Supper on the Bay gatherings will have extra sparkle this year at Harwich’s Wequassett Resort and Golf Club. On Thursday evenings in August, you can claim a seat at a long seaside table and dine in family-style lavishness on the freshest sea fare and produce that Cape Cod has to offer.

3. Raise a Baton to Keith Lockhart – Tanglewood toasts a Boston Pops legend with star-studded flair.

They called him “The Kid” when Keith Lockhart took the baton of the Boston Pops at the age of 35. More than 2,200 concerts later, his dynamic tenure as the face and grace of America’s Orchestra will be toasted August 22 at Tanglewood in Lenox with a 30th anniversary celebration featuring Bernadette Peters, Ben Folds, Lynn Ahrens, and other special guests.

4. Curl Up at An Unlikely Story – Books, beer, and community at Jeff Kinney’s charming indie bookstore.

If you recognize the name Jeff Kinney, you probably know a tween who’s devoured his Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series. But did you know Kinney and his wife, Julie, have owned a destination bookstore in Plainville for 10 years? While Kinney admits An Unlikely Story isn’t exactly making him rich, he’s undeterred in his drive to revitalize everything that surrounds his downtown shop, once a general store. Pitch in by attending one of the many author talks held in the Second Story event space, or by curling up in the café with a matcha latte and a mystery or a beer and a biography.

5. Power Up at Mass MoCA – Jeffrey Gibson’s show electrifies with queer, Indigenous energy.

Enormous garments suspended from tipi poles. Glass dance floors pulsing with kaleidoscopic light. Films. Soundtracks. Insights. The Jeffrey Gibson exhibit Power Full Because We’re Different has swept into massive Building 5 at North Adams’s Mass MoCA with an energy that electrifies the daunting space. Gibson, who last year became the first solo Indigenous artist to represent the U.S. at the Venice Biennale, is known for multifaceted installations like this, celebrating queer and Indigenous communities and giving voice and visibility to two-spirit gender expression.

6. Hit the Road with Walden Campervans – Embrace van life and explore New England off-grid in style.

“Van life” appeals to all ages, and Acton-based Walden Campervans offers fully outfitted vehicles—some even dog-friendly—that make it easy to try this way of vacationing. Owners Mike and Susie Patrick go the extra mile, creating complimentary customized itineraries that showcase New England’s most exceptional off-the-grid destinations. Mike joined Weekends with Yankee cohost Richard Wiese for a campervan adventure in Maine this season that might just inspire your own road trip (check your local PBS listings).

7. Dine Fresh at Cantina 229 – Farm-to-table magic and hyperseasonal menus in the Berkshires.

Like an unexpected mirage on a Berkshires back road, Cantina is a glowy little restaurant that enchants from the get-go. Reopened last fall in New Marlborough by new owners Peter Chapin and Maddie Austin, it takes farm-to-table to the next level: Most menu ingredients are grown or raised on Mill River Farm, which is run by Chapin and his mother, Jan Johnson. Sip a cocktail infused with fresh-picked herbs while you peruse the week’s hyperseasonal selections, and you’ll immediately feel part of a foodie community.

8. Make It an Artful Escape to New Salem – Realist masterpieces in a historic home turned museum.

Not even two years ago, ardent collectors Vincent and Laura Barletta transformed their beloved-for-generations family home into America’s first museum devoted exclusively to contemporary realist art. It hasn’t taken long for their New Salem Museum & Academy of Fine Art to attract lovers of the genre to the tiny town of New Salem. You’ll be mesmerized each time you visit and discover the walls of this 19th-century home sporting works by living masters and the icons—like John Singer Sargent and Andrew Wyeth—on whose shoulders they stand. Stop by New Salem General Store to pick up made-to-order sandwiches to enjoy on the patio.

9. Experience the Battle of Bunker Hill Reenactment – Revolutionary history comes alive in Gloucester’s immersive celebration.

The 250th-anniversary Reenactment of the Battle of Bunker Hill won’t be held in Boston, although the Bunker Hill Monument Association plans a June 17 commemoration at the obelisk that marks the battle’s actual location on Breed’s Hill. To accommodate spectators and several hundred reenactors, Gloucester’s Stage Fort Park will step in to play the battleground during two days of immersive events, June 21 and 22. You won’t just see the fighting unfold—you’ll learn how civilians of all classes, allegiances, genders, and races perceived, participated in, and were affected by the Revolutionary era.

10. Wander Through Outdoor Art – Sculptures, gardens, and meditative trails in the Berkshires.

It’s like meditation in motion, strolling among sculptural works beautifully sited in the great outdoors. In the Berkshires, you could spend a whole weekend encountering art in the wild. TurnPark Art Space in West Stockbridge has 16 acres of former quarry lands to explore year-round. In Lenox, The Mount installs a new array of contemporary juried works across 50 acres, open free to the public May 24–October 19. And sculptor Andrew DeVries gives visitors free range to frolic with the dancers and jesters along the Sculpture Trail at his gallery in Middlefield, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday, May 16–October 19 (donations accepted).

See More: 2025 Massachusetts Travel Guide | Hotels, Dining & Attractions

What tops your list of the best things to do in Massachusetts this summer? Let us know!

The post 10 Best Things to Do in Massachusetts This Summer 2025 appeared first on New England.